Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 3: Difference between revisions

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{{infobox Novel Chapter
{{infobox Novel Chapter
|faction = terran
|faction = terran
|title = Chapter Three
|title = Chapter 3
|image = image:Movienovel.jpg
|image = image:Movienovel.jpg
|book = [[Wing Commander (novelization)|Wing Commander]]
|book = [[Wing Commander (novelization)|Wing Commander]]
|parts = 1
|parts = 1
|previous = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter Two|Chapter Two]]
|previous = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|next = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter Four|Chapter Four]]
|next = [[Wing Commander (novelization) Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|pages = 24-28
}}
}}


== Dramatis Personae ==
== Dramatis Personae ==


*
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Part 1
|-
! POV
|valign=top|
[[Thiraka nar Kiranka]]
|-
! Speaking
|valign=top|
[[Bokoth nar Kiranka]]<br>
[[Ke'Soick]]<br>
[[Norsh'kal]]<br>
[[William Wilson]]
|-
! Non-Speaking
|valign=top|
Unnamed Third Fang
|-
! Mentioned
|valign=top|
[[The Emperor]]<br>
[[Sivar]]
|-
|}


== Text ==
== Text ==


<B>KILRATHI BATTLE</B>
{{infobox wcm
 
|line1 = KILRATHI BATTLE<br>GROUP
<B>GROUP</B>
|line2 = SNAKEIR-CLASS<br>CRUISER KIS<br><I>GRIST'AR'ROC</I>
 
|line3 = MARCH 15, 2654<br>2140 HOURS<br>ZULU TIME
<B>SNAKEIR-CLASS</B>
|line4 = ULYSSES CORRIDOR<br>VEGA SECTOR
 
|line5 = 39 HOURS 20 MINUTES<br>FROM CHARYBDIS<br>QUASAR JUMP POINT
<B>CRUISER KIS</B>
}}
 
<B><I>GRIST'AR'ROC</I></B>
 
<B>MARCH 15, 2654</B>
 
<B>2140 HOURS</B>
 
<B>ZULU TIME</B>
 
<B>ULYSSES CORRIDOR</B>
 
<B>VEGA SECTOR</B>
 
<B>39 HOURS 20 MINUTES</B>
 
<B>FROM CHARYBOIS</B>
 
<B>QUASAR JUMP POINT</B>
 


For the fourth time in the past five standard minutes, Captain Thiraka
For the fourth time in the past five standard minutes, Captain Thiraka
Line 50: Line 57:
fighting Terrans told him they always did.
fighting Terrans told him they always did.


Born of the most powerful clan on Kilrah, Thiraka had a reputation to
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Born of the most powerful clan on Kilrah, Thiraka had a reputation to
uphold, a fact that weighed upon him too heavily and preoccupied too
uphold, a fact that weighed upon him too heavily and preoccupied too
much of his time. His father did not believe him worthy of the clan. His
much of his time. His father did not believe him worthy of the clan. His
Line 65: Line 72:
group command. <I>I am a lowborn peasant at the kalralahr's beck and call</I>, he thought. Thus, Thiraka's intimidation remained fused with contempt.
group command. <I>I am a lowborn peasant at the kalralahr's beck and call</I>, he thought. Thus, Thiraka's intimidation remained fused with contempt.


Commander Ke'Soick rested a heavy paw on Thiraka's shoulder. "Kal
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commander Ke'Soick rested a heavy paw on Thiraka's shoulder. "Kal
Shintahr, our officers complain that you're oversupervising them. I've
Shintahr, our officers complain that you're oversupervising them. I've
watched you check this screen four times now. Should the third fang here
watched you check this screen four times now. Should the third fang here
find a discrepancy, he'll report it directly to you."
find a discrepancy, he'll report it directly to you."


Thiraka lowered his massive brow. "To me and not the kalralahr?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thiraka lowered his massive brow. "To me and not the kalralahr?"


"We've only served a short time together, but I already know your pain.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We've only served a short time together, but I already know your pain.
You can rely on my loyalty, Kal Shintahr. I'm oathsworn to you and you
You can rely on my loyalty, Kal Shintahr. I'm oathsworn to you and you
alone."
alone."


Pursing his lips, Thiraka nodded. "A debt is owed. A debt shall be
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursing his lips, Thiraka nodded. "A debt is owed. A debt shall be
repaid."
repaid."


"Have you forgotten how your family strengthened my clan by killing
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Have you forgotten how your family strengthened my clan by killing
the weakest of us? Now we rise in power and serve aboard the empire's
the weakest of us? Now we rise in power and serve aboard the empire's
deadliest cruisers and dreadnoughts. But my clan also believes that those
deadliest cruisers and dreadnoughts. But my clan also believes that those
Line 85: Line 92:
and condemned by Sivar."
and condemned by Sivar."


Thiraka moved closer to his Ke'Soick, and with eyes capable of seeing
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thiraka moved closer to his Ke'Soick, and with eyes capable of seeing
the infrared spectrum, he gazed through the green effluvium to see if
the infrared spectrum, he gazed through the green effluvium to see if
others watched. "Those opinions are better kept silent. But, dear Ke'Soick,
others watched. "Those opinions are better kept silent. But, dear Ke'Soick,
I agree."
I agree."


Behind them, the lift doors parted to reveal Kalralahr Bokoth. Without
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Behind them, the lift doors parted to reveal Kalralahr Bokoth. Without
a word, the admiral paraded across the bridge, his armor flexing, the
a word, the admiral paraded across the bridge, his armor flexing, the
colorful clan and battle plumes affixed to his shoulders fluttering behind
colorful clan and battle plumes affixed to his shoulders fluttering behind
him. He paused at the forward viewport to gaze at the quasar.
him. He paused at the forward viewport to gaze at the quasar.


"And thoughts become flesh," Ke'Soick said, eyeing the kalralahr with
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And thoughts become flesh," Ke'Soick said, eyeing the kalralahr with
unflappable contempt.
unflappable contempt.


Second Fang Norsh'kal, tactical officer, approached them with a
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Second Fang Norsh'kal, tactical officer, approached them with a
computer slate. "Kal Shintahr. Sector report of Confederation ship
computer slate. "Kal Shintahr. Sector report of Confederation ship
movements." He proffered the slate.
movements." He proffered the slate.


But Thiraka had grown weary of staring at holos and computer screens.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Thiraka had grown weary of staring at holos and computer screens. "Read them to me."


"Read them to me."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Second Fang purred his acknowledgment. "One vessel remains in
 
The Second Fang purred his acknowledgment. "One vessel remains in
the sector, the TCS <i>Tiger Claw</i>. Intelligence reports that she is still out of
the sector, the TCS <i>Tiger Claw</i>. Intelligence reports that she is still out of
communication range with her fleet and holding position."
communication range with her fleet and holding position."


"Very well," Thiraka said. "Your report tells me nothing new."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Very well," Thiraka said. "Your report tells me nothing new."


"But Kal Shintahr. One of our surveillance stations on the border of Sol
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But Kal Shintahr. One of our surveillance stations on the border of Sol
sector intercepted and decoded part of a long-range communication from
sector intercepted and decoded part of a long-range communication from
the <i>Concordia</i> to a merchantman bound for the <i>Tiger Claw</i>. An officer on
the <i>Concordia</i> to a merchantman bound for the <i>Tiger Claw</i>. An officer on
Line 118: Line 123:
captain."
captain."


"ETA of merchantman to <i>Tiger Claw</i>?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"ETA of merchantman to <i>Tiger Claw</i>?"


"We're not sure, Kal Shintahr. The merchantman is headed toward
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're not sure, Kal Shintahr. The merchantman is headed toward
Beacon One-forty-seven, just outside the Sol system."
Beacon One-forty-seven, just outside the Sol system."


"They're not headed toward Vega?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're not headed toward Vega?"


"No. And we don't know why."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No. And we don't know why."


Drawing in a long breath that made his throat grumble, Thiraka
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Drawing in a long breath that made his throat grumble, Thiraka
stepped away from his officers and crossed the bridge, heading toward the
stepped away from his officers and crossed the bridge, heading toward the
kalralahr.
kalralahr.


As he neared the old one, Thiraka bowed his head and spoke in a low
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he neared the old one, Thiraka bowed his head and spoke in a low
hiss of respect. "The Ulysses Corridor is clear. As you predicted, the door
hiss of respect. "The Ulysses Corridor is clear. As you predicted, the door
to Earth is open. But new difficulties have arisen."
to Earth is open. But new difficulties have arisen."


Kalralahr Bokoth turned his long, pale head toward Thiraka. Bokoth's
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kalralahr Bokoth turned his long, pale head toward Thiraka. Bokoth's
face bore the ravages of the battle at McAuliffe. He had lost an eye in that
face bore the ravages of the battle at McAuliffe. He had lost an eye in that
ambush, and deep scars radiated from the gloomy socket like an
ambush, and deep scars radiated from the gloomy socket like an
improbable form of black anti-lightning. "Difficulties, Thiraka?"
improbable form of black anti-lightning. "Difficulties, Thiraka?"
"Yes. One of our surveillance stations—"


"I know." Bokoth stroked the long, fine hairs on his chin and bared his
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes. One of our surveillance stations--"
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I know." Bokoth stroked the long, fine hairs on his chin and bared his
yellowed canines in a smile, as though over Thiraka's surprise. "I'm having
yellowed canines in a smile, as though over Thiraka's surprise. "I'm having
all intelligence routed directly to my cabin."
all intelligence routed directly to my cabin."


"Kalralahr, this is my ship. I've paid you tribute enough in turning over
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kalralahr, this is my ship. I've paid you tribute enough in turning over
command of the battle group. All intelligence will be routed to the bridge."
command of the battle group. All intelligence will be routed to the bridge."


Bokoth's good eye widened. "I wondered how long I could push you
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bokoth's good eye widened. "I wondered how long I could push you
before you would behave honorably and defend yourself. There's hope for
before you would behave honorably and defend yourself. There's hope for
you after all."
you after all."


Thiraka frowned as he detected the musty stench emanating from
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thiraka frowned as he detected the musty stench emanating from
Bokoth, from the kalralahr's ornamental plumes, which he apparently only
Bokoth, from the kalralahr's ornamental plumes, which he apparently only
donned on special days or missions. Repressing the desire to gag, Thiraka
donned on special days or missions. Repressing the desire to gag, Thiraka
Line 161: Line 167:
its embers.
its embers.


"What is it, Thiraka?" Bokoth asked, his tone a notch less
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What is it, Thiraka?" Bokoth asked, his tone a notch less
condescending.
condescending.


"Nothing, Kalralahr. Nothing."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nothing, Kalralahr. Nothing."


"Then let me address your supposed difficulties. Yes, it's unfortunate
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Then let me address your supposed difficulties. Yes, it's unfortunate
that the Terrans have learned so soon of our attack on Pegasus. But it's of
that the Terrans have learned so soon of our attack on Pegasus. But it's of
no consequence. By the time that merchantman reaches the <I>Tiger Claw</I>,
no consequence. By the time that merchantman reaches the <I>Tiger Claw</I>,
Line 175: Line 181:
the lowest of born can recognize that."
the lowest of born can recognize that."


"But answer this: why is the merchantman not headed to Vega sector?
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But answer this: why is the merchantman not headed to Vega sector?
Doesn't that puzzle you?"
Doesn't that puzzle you?"


"It does. Which is why I've asked it to the bridge." Bokoth turned his
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It does. Which is why I've asked it to the bridge." Bokoth turned his
head toward the lift doors as they closed behind a human wearing an
head toward the lift doors as they closed behind a human wearing an
atmospheric suit.
atmospheric suit.


"Where's the celebration?" the hairless ape asked, its voice sounding
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Where's the celebration?" the hairless ape asked, its voice sounding
tinny through the translator attached to its suit. "The door to Earth is
tinny through the translator attached to its suit. "The door to Earth is
open. And you have your prize."
open. And you have your prize."


As the human drew closer, Thiraka noticed a silver cross hanging
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the human drew closer, Thiraka noticed a silver cross hanging
around the man's neck. He recognized that cross from history holos he had
around the man's neck. He recognized that cross from history holos he had
been forced to watch during his training. It represented a clan of humans
been forced to watch during his training. It represented a clan of humans
known as Pilgrims.
known as Pilgrims.


"The NAVCOM AI has been reconfigured to your jump drives," the ape
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The NAVCOM AI has been reconfigured to your jump drives," the ape
continued.
continued.


"Excellent. Now answer me two questions," Bokoth said in his most
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Excellent. Now answer me two questions," Bokoth said in his most
demanding tone. "Why was the <i>Concordia</I> alerted of our attack so soon?"
demanding tone. "Why was the <i>Concordia</I> alerted of our attack so soon?"


"That, I'm afraid, was unavoidable. Next question?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That, I'm afraid, was unavoidable. Next question?"
Bokoth growled. "Explain unavoidable."
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bokoth growled. "Explain <I>unavoidable</I>."


"I think the word translates clearly."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think the word translates clearly."


Raising a paw and extending long, jagged nails, Bokoth said, "If I
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raising a paw and extending long, jagged nails, Bokoth said, "If I
discover—"
discover--"


"You're not in a position to threaten me—after what I've given you."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're not in a position to threaten me--after what I've given you."


Slowly, Bokoth lowered his paw. "A merchantman has been ordered to
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slowly, Bokoth lowered his paw. "A merchantman has been ordered to
alert the Tiger Claw. Why isn't it headed to Vega sector?"
alert the <I>Tiger Claw</I>. Why isn't it headed to Vega sector?"


"I don't know. I'd worry about that."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't know. I'd worry about that."


"If you're lying—"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you're lying--"


"There you go again. Haven't I already expressed what I want?"
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There you go again. Haven't I already expressed what I want?"


"Yes. Most clearly. You have betrayed your race on a scale
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes. Most clearly. You have betrayed your race on a scale
unimaginable, Pilgrim."
unimaginable, Pilgrim."


The ape sniggered. "I've lived up to my part of our agreement. Live up
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ape sniggered. "I've lived up to my part of our agreement. Live up
to yours. Destroy Earth."
to yours. Destroy Earth."


Bokoth stared long and hard at the traitor. At last, he nodded.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bokoth stared long and hard at the traitor. At last, he nodded.
 
== Scans ==
 
<gallery>
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</gallery>
 
{{novelindex/wingcommander}}
 
[[Category:Wing Commander (novelization)]]

Latest revision as of 03:18, 9 April 2024

Chapter 3
Movienovel.jpg
Book Wing Commander
Parts 1
Previous Chapter 2
Next Chapter 4
Pages 24-28


Dramatis Personae

Part 1
POV

Thiraka nar Kiranka

Speaking

Bokoth nar Kiranka
Ke'Soick
Norsh'kal
William Wilson

Non-Speaking

Unnamed Third Fang

Mentioned

The Emperor
Sivar

Text

KILRATHI BATTLE
GROUP
SNAKEIR-CLASS
CRUISER KIS
GRIST'AR'ROC
MARCH 15, 2654
2140 HOURS
ZULU TIME
ULYSSES CORRIDOR
VEGA SECTOR
39 HOURS 20 MINUTES
FROM CHARYBDIS
QUASAR JUMP POINT


For the fourth time in the past five standard minutes, Captain Thiraka nar Kiranka shuffled through the dense nutrient atmosphere that filled the Grist'Ar'roc's bridge to check the radar screen as the immense cruiser traveled at maximum drive toward the quasar. The attack on Pegasus Station had gone exactly as planned. The absence of difficulties had Thiraka wondering when those difficulties would arrive. His experience fighting Terrans told him they always did.

     Born of the most powerful clan on Kilrah, Thiraka had a reputation to uphold, a fact that weighed upon him too heavily and preoccupied too much of his time. His father did not believe him worthy of the clan. His father did not believe he could present even a single Terran death as a gift to Sivar, war god of the Kilrathi people. And his father's beliefs had become public knowledge by way of servants' loose tongues. Thiraka suspected that most of his crew doubted his capabilities. The presence of Kalralahr Bokoth, the Kilrathi fleet's most revered admiral, underscored those doubts. Thiraka considered how his own intimidation had become heightened by the fact that he and Bokoth belonged to the same clan and that Bokoth would undoubtedly report Thiraka's every move back to his father. The emperor had not entrusted Thiraka with the mission and had turned his cruiser into the kalralahr's flagship, thus relieving him of battle group command. I am a lowborn peasant at the kalralahr's beck and call, he thought. Thus, Thiraka's intimidation remained fused with contempt.

     Commander Ke'Soick rested a heavy paw on Thiraka's shoulder. "Kal Shintahr, our officers complain that you're oversupervising them. I've watched you check this screen four times now. Should the third fang here find a discrepancy, he'll report it directly to you."

     Thiraka lowered his massive brow. "To me and not the kalralahr?"

     "We've only served a short time together, but I already know your pain. You can rely on my loyalty, Kal Shintahr. I'm oathsworn to you and you alone."

     Pursing his lips, Thiraka nodded. "A debt is owed. A debt shall be repaid."

     "Have you forgotten how your family strengthened my clan by killing the weakest of us? Now we rise in power and serve aboard the empire's deadliest cruisers and dreadnoughts. But my clan also believes that those who bargain with the Terrans are the lowest of born, cowards despised and condemned by Sivar."

     Thiraka moved closer to his Ke'Soick, and with eyes capable of seeing the infrared spectrum, he gazed through the green effluvium to see if others watched. "Those opinions are better kept silent. But, dear Ke'Soick, I agree."

     Behind them, the lift doors parted to reveal Kalralahr Bokoth. Without a word, the admiral paraded across the bridge, his armor flexing, the colorful clan and battle plumes affixed to his shoulders fluttering behind him. He paused at the forward viewport to gaze at the quasar.

     "And thoughts become flesh," Ke'Soick said, eyeing the kalralahr with unflappable contempt.

     Second Fang Norsh'kal, tactical officer, approached them with a computer slate. "Kal Shintahr. Sector report of Confederation ship movements." He proffered the slate.

     But Thiraka had grown weary of staring at holos and computer screens. "Read them to me."

     The Second Fang purred his acknowledgment. "One vessel remains in the sector, the TCS Tiger Claw. Intelligence reports that she is still out of communication range with her fleet and holding position."

     "Very well," Thiraka said. "Your report tells me nothing new."

     "But Kal Shintahr. One of our surveillance stations on the border of Sol sector intercepted and decoded part of a long-range communication from the Concordia to a merchantman bound for the Tiger Claw. An officer on board that merchantman is delivering an encoded message to the carrier's captain."

     "ETA of merchantman to Tiger Claw?"

     "We're not sure, Kal Shintahr. The merchantman is headed toward Beacon One-forty-seven, just outside the Sol system."

     "They're not headed toward Vega?"

     "No. And we don't know why."

     Drawing in a long breath that made his throat grumble, Thiraka stepped away from his officers and crossed the bridge, heading toward the kalralahr.

     As he neared the old one, Thiraka bowed his head and spoke in a low hiss of respect. "The Ulysses Corridor is clear. As you predicted, the door to Earth is open. But new difficulties have arisen."

     Kalralahr Bokoth turned his long, pale head toward Thiraka. Bokoth's face bore the ravages of the battle at McAuliffe. He had lost an eye in that ambush, and deep scars radiated from the gloomy socket like an improbable form of black anti-lightning. "Difficulties, Thiraka?"

     "Yes. One of our surveillance stations--"

     "I know." Bokoth stroked the long, fine hairs on his chin and bared his yellowed canines in a smile, as though over Thiraka's surprise. "I'm having all intelligence routed directly to my cabin."

     "Kalralahr, this is my ship. I've paid you tribute enough in turning over command of the battle group. All intelligence will be routed to the bridge."

     Bokoth's good eye widened. "I wondered how long I could push you before you would behave honorably and defend yourself. There's hope for you after all."

     Thiraka frowned as he detected the musty stench emanating from Bokoth, from the kalralahr's ornamental plumes, which he apparently only donned on special days or missions. Repressing the desire to gag, Thiraka considered several responses to Bokoth's chide, but thought better of them. The wrong word might spark the killing-rage in both Kilrathi. That all-controlling feeling dwelled just beneath the skin of every warrior, and once ignited, the feeling would blaze until one or both Kilrathi lay dead in its embers.

     "What is it, Thiraka?" Bokoth asked, his tone a notch less condescending.

     "Nothing, Kalralahr. Nothing."

     "Then let me address your supposed difficulties. Yes, it's unfortunate that the Terrans have learned so soon of our attack on Pegasus. But it's of no consequence. By the time that merchantman reaches the Tiger Claw, our lead will be too great for them to intercept. If by some small miracle they do reach us, we will finish them as efficiently as we destroyed Pegasus. That complication has already been addressed. And even without our contingency plans, one carrier is no match for this battle group. Even the lowest of born can recognize that."

     "But answer this: why is the merchantman not headed to Vega sector? Doesn't that puzzle you?"

     "It does. Which is why I've asked it to the bridge." Bokoth turned his head toward the lift doors as they closed behind a human wearing an atmospheric suit.

     "Where's the celebration?" the hairless ape asked, its voice sounding tinny through the translator attached to its suit. "The door to Earth is open. And you have your prize."

     As the human drew closer, Thiraka noticed a silver cross hanging around the man's neck. He recognized that cross from history holos he had been forced to watch during his training. It represented a clan of humans known as Pilgrims.

     "The NAVCOM AI has been reconfigured to your jump drives," the ape continued.

     "Excellent. Now answer me two questions," Bokoth said in his most demanding tone. "Why was the Concordia alerted of our attack so soon?"

     "That, I'm afraid, was unavoidable. Next question?"

     Bokoth growled. "Explain unavoidable."

     "I think the word translates clearly."

     Raising a paw and extending long, jagged nails, Bokoth said, "If I discover--"

     "You're not in a position to threaten me--after what I've given you."

     Slowly, Bokoth lowered his paw. "A merchantman has been ordered to alert the Tiger Claw. Why isn't it headed to Vega sector?"

     "I don't know. I'd worry about that."

     "If you're lying--"

     "There you go again. Haven't I already expressed what I want?"

     "Yes. Most clearly. You have betrayed your race on a scale unimaginable, Pilgrim."

     The ape sniggered. "I've lived up to my part of our agreement. Live up to yours. Destroy Earth."

     Bokoth stared long and hard at the traitor. At last, he nodded.

Scans