Page 48 of Orin

Captain Stusa disappeared from the screen and the Council began to chat among themselves.

Trex raised his voice. “There is one more thing I want to address.”

The room fell silent as everyone looked in his direction.

Trex spoke with me earlier and we had discussed what would happen next.

I carefully watched the faces of the Council members as King Trex spoke. “I’ve spoken with Vyramos Nura before our meeting. The Ixul government has agreed to send two Ixul warships to help protect Alara. They have the ability to detect cloaked vessels and have superior firepower. Compared to our patrol ships they can do a lot more damage to anyone trying to land here.”

“This is great news considering how protective they are about their technology,” said Vimur hastily.

“Despite being self-governed and xenophobic, they support the Empire. The decision ultimately revolved around what would benefit all planets within Alaran space. I have given my assurance that we will not share their technology with the Drakkari,” stated the King.

Everyone who’d been raised on Alara knew the Drakkari used to be enemies of the Ixul due to their invasion on Graacux long ago. The situation escalated into a brutal conflict, causing significant casualties for both sides.

The intervention of King Tvar’Ul, Trex's grandfather, and the Ruler of the Empire at that time, resulted in a negotiated peace treaty that finally ended the long war between them. Since then, there had been no significant conflicts in Alaran space.

Xilta spoke in his usual serious manner. “The Ixul harbor long-lasting grudges. I’m glad to witness their eagerness to assist Alara.”

Trex’s lips curled into a wry smile. “As they say, a new enemy can unite old adversaries.”

I DID AS TREX ASKEDand followed Vimur, who disappeared into one of the private rooms to make a communication.

While I was outside the room, I overheard him explaining what Trex had just told the Council. The voice Vimur spoke to was not one I recognized, but based on what he was saying, he was indeed betraying the King, and Alara.

I waited for him to leave the room and blocked his path.

“What’s the meaning of this?” he asked, looking afraid.

I grabbed him by the arm and tugged him with me down the hall where Trex waited. He eyed Council member Vimur, and he was fuming.

“You knowflutzingwell what’s going on. You are a traitor. And for that you will be sent from Alara to live out what days you have left on Ronroth Prison colony.”

Vimur opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before he broke down. “They made me help them. I had no choice.” He whimpered.

“You could have come to me. I would have ensured your safety. Are there other traitors or shapeshifters on Alara?”

Vimur shook his head. “Tinuk and I were the last. The shapeshifters left when they knew their people were coming to invade.”

Trex pushed Vimur against the wall with his arm to his throat. “You’ve allowed the entire planet to be endangered. Did you know Terax 2 was going to be attacked?”

Vimur put his hands out to the side. “No. I did not. I was as surprised as you...but I do know where they are based. I overheard things.... I can tell you.”

Trex exerted more pressure with his forearm against his throat, causing the Council member to let out a pained grunt. When his face color darkened Trex eased up.

Vimur coughed then spoke. “Those Voletti who are not in charge of Krilex ships in Alaran space are stationed on one of Jaxia’s moons.”

Trex and I shared a brief look.

Vimur continued. “They have breeding facilities there, and possibly female prisoners. But it is heavily protected from what I’ve been told. You’ll never get close to it.”

Trex pursed his lips, and I listened and watched Vimur spill his guts about everything he knew about the Voletti.

We learned the shapeshifter prisoner’s words rang true, leaving no room for doubt about the diminishing number of their kind.

“My Voletti contact informed me that they have destroyed numerous worlds, including their own. The Thrala, another race, were pursuing them when they ended up here. They didn’t expect their technology to bring them to an unknown Universe.

They appear to have been exploring this sector when they stumbled into Alaran space. They were trying to find a new home and a way to stop from going extinct when they met the Krilex. They were convinced not to ask for help from anyone else and trusted the Krilex to provide what they needed.” Vimur said.

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