Page 20 of Grumpy Alien Bodyguard

I can feel the temperature of the conversation rising dangerously. Old wounds from the Centuries War reopening right before my eyes.

"Stop," I say sharply, cutting through their argument. "Both of you. We're here to find a peaceful resolution to the Jwoon incident. Not re-ignite the Centuries War over your clashing ideologies."

Behind me, Varnok lets out a deep, rumbling laugh. I glance back to see him grinning, clearly entertained by my bluntness. Dowron shoots him a withering glare, but the younger vakutan seems entirely unperturbed.

"Fair enough, Ambassador," Dowron concedes after a moment.

Zantress gives me an appraising look. "You speak with unusual directness for a diplomat."

"Sometimes directness is what's needed," I reply. "Especially when dancing around issues has cost lives."

Prime Minister Serenity nods approvingly. "Armstrong has always valued straightforward speech. It's refreshing to see it from an IHC representative."

A server drifts by with a tray of hors d'oeuvres, and I take the opportunity to change the subject. "Have you tried these, Speaker Zantress? They're made with vegetables grown right here on Armstrong."

The grolgath reluctantly accepts one of the small canapés. "This world has done well for itself, considering its history."

"That's what we're trying to prevent on Jwoon," I say, seizing the opening. "Another world torn apart by conflict between greater powers."

Serenity's expression grows serious. "The Prime Minister before me was on Armstrong during the battle. She always said the worst casualties weren't from the fighting itself, but from the environmental collapse that followed."

"Exactly," I nod. "And Jwoon's ecosystem is far more fragile than Armstrong's ever was."

Zantress finishes her canapé. "The Solari have lived in harmony with Jwoon for generations. They understand its rhythms and needs in ways Bruw's mining operations never could."

"Yet the mineral deposits on Jwoon could provide energy for billions," Dowron counters, though his tone is more measured now. "There must be a middle path."

I catch movement from the corner of my eye—Kallus Bruw is making his way toward our little group, his entourage trailing behind him like the tail of a comet.

"Speaking of middle paths," I murmur, "our other principal party approaches."

Varnok steps closer to me, his massive frame almost brushing against my back. I can feel the heat radiating from him, and despite myself, I find it oddly comforting.

"Ambassador Gellar," Kallus calls out, his voice smooth as silk. "What an absolute pleasure to finally meet you in person." His light red scales gleam under the reception lights as he extends a hand. "I was devastated to hear about your ordeal. Space pirates—how utterly barbaric."

Something in his tone makes my skin crawl. I shake his hand briefly, noting the expensive fabric of his sleeve, the perfect manicure of his claws.

"Mr. Bruw," I reply evenly. "I appreciate your concern. I'm just grateful to have arrived safely—if somewhat delayed."

His eyes flick briefly to Varnok, then back to me. "And with such impressive... security, I see."

"This is Varnok," I say, deliberately omitting his more colorful title. "He's been assigned as my liaison during these negotiations."

"How fortunate for you," Kallus says, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I've heard so much about the famous Varnok the Annihilator."

"All true," Varnok rumbles behind me, and I resist the urge to step on his foot.

Kallus turns his attention to Zantress. "Speaker, you're looking well. How are your people faring on Jwoon? Still living in those charming mud huts, I presume?"

I can practically feel Zantress bristle beside me. "Our dwellings are constructed in harmony with the planet's natural resources, using sustainable methods that have served us for generations."

"How quaint," Kallus says with a condescending smile.

I step forward slightly, inserting myself between them. "I believe we'll have plenty of time to discuss housing and infrastructure during tomorrow's formal negotiations. Tonight is simply an opportunity for us all to become acquainted."

"Of course, Ambassador," Kallus says smoothly. "I'm looking forward to finding a solution that benefits everyone involved."

The lie is so transparent I'm surprised it doesn't shatter like glass on the marble floor.

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