Homestar Saga

Chapter 110: Tactical Necessity

At the Warmaster's words, the Oluken Security Officers moved closer, tendrils straying to their stunwhips. Yvian saw eyestalks shake and legs betray tremors of fear. The Oluken were scared. She didn't blame them. Eight more Vrrl stood in a loose circle behind the Warmaster. She'd seen how quickly they could move. Yvian suspected the Warmaster and his people could slaughter the Elders and every guard in the area if they wanted to. They could reduce the Taa'oor and the human delegation into quivering chunks just as easily. Even she and the Captain couldn't stop them, unarmed as they were.

The only thing keeping Yvian from being terrified was the presence of Kilroy and Zarkon. If the Vrrl tried anything, the Peacekeeper units could turn them into a puddle. She spared a glance at Kilroy and took a breath, trying to slow her heartbeat.

The Vrrl ignored the shaking Security. His three eyes followed the High Commander as the man drifted towards one of the Oluken Elders. A pleased rumble escaped him. He turned back to regard Captain Mims. "But he is a hunt for another day." Skrell Scatchach looked at the human, slowly blinking his eyes. He did the same towards each pixen, then the Peacekeeper. "From now until tomorrow, you will not be my prey." His shoulders relaxed, and he plucked a fish from one of the floating platters. "I have come to express my gratitude to you, human."

Mims met the monster's gaze, one eyebrow lifting. "Gratitude?"

"I am as surprised as you are." The Vrrl gave a low, rumbling chuckle. His eyes flicked to the High Commander and back again. "Do you know how long the Empire has been trying to capture Nexus technology? The Federation does not leave such things in the hands of civilians, and their military has been very careful. Even the Confederation Nodes self destruct before we can take them."

The Warmaster's lips peeled back, revealing sharp teeth and glistening fangs. Yvian realized it was his version of a smile. "Now, not only do we have a Node, you've given us a jumpdrive, stealth tech, and working samples of human weaponry."

"I didn't give you anything," said the human. "I gave it to the Oluken."

"And they sold it to us," the Vrrl agreed. "As you knew they would."

"It was a tactical necessity."

"So you told the High Commander." Scathach's unblinking stare switched over to Yvian. "But I am being discourteous." He held out a huge clawed hand. "I saw you on the little mechanic's station, but we have not been introduced. I am Skrell Scathach, First Hsst of the Priderender, Third Warmaster of the Vrrl Starfang Empire. It is interesting to meet you."

The Warmaster's claws retracted. Yvian allowed his fingers to engulf her own. His hand felt strong enough to bend tungsten, but he squeezed lightly before letting go. "Yvian," she gave her name.

Skrell Scathach gave a nod, then held his hand out to Lissa. "And you must be Lissa Kiver, the leader of the Pixen Technocracy."

"It's nice to meet you," Lissa said with a diplomatic smile. Technically, she shared the leadership with Yvian, Mims, and Kilroy, but there was no denying she was the face of the fledgling nation.

The Warmaster regarded Kilroy next. His brow furrowed. "I do not intend offense, but I cannot smell the difference between you and the other machine. Are you Kilroy or Ambassador Zarkon?"

"This unit and the other machine are standard and interchangeable," the Peacekeeper informed him, accepting the handshake. "There is no difference to smell. This unit is designated as Kilroy."

"Fascinating," said the Vrrl. "And are your kind truly treated as equal to the pixens? No better or worse?"

"Affirmative," said Kilroy. "We are treated as citizens. We are given neither restrictions nor extra privileges."