6.) Envoy

Standing next to Alton, Ralph and Serge cast a look at each other before turning to look at Alton sitting quietly at the table.

"Commander, I have notified his majesty and he has replied that we should stay here. His majesty will call in through video tomorrow before the meeting."

Alton kept a straight face and brushed aside his slightly disrupted feelings,

"Understand, notify me when we hear news from the med bay. I don't think that this attack was one from High General Leon, it may be from the third party who's purposely causing trouble."

Standing he gave out a few more instructions to deal with the ship repairs after they've landed again.

Walking back to his quarters he emptied his mind and sorted out his odd emotions. To reply in an underhand way to that other man he felt it was a bit too much. Sure it was simply protecting his empire's dignity but as a grown man, who technically was an old man to lose his temper and say those things at a negotiating table…He felt a bit startled. Had this strange general really provoked him that much?

Entering his cabin he swiftly took a shower and dressed for bed. Pulling out his wrist band he synced it with his mind and began filling out the paperwork he had left behind in the Gurr capital.

Sleep didn't come easily that night, a certain mans face kept his thoughts messy all night.

The next morning he was up and in the control room waiting for the emperor to call. After greeting each other the emperor confirmed their suspicions from yesterday that a third party had messed with their information in an attempt to cause the two sides to become hostile.

The report from the medical bay said that all their people woke up fine and no long term symptoms were seen. It would seem that whatever it was had been timed to release right as they were preparing to leave and the Poga Empires ships had arrived. Perfect timing to spark a fight. It was quite high technology and now all he had to do was find who put them their.

Focusing on the holographic screen he sent over a signal at 9 sharp, their meeting would take place in a holographic table where each party would create a holographic model of themselves.

On the left side Alton's emperor sat and Alton and the two other commanders sat next to him. On the right side General Leon and his Emperor along with two other people sat.

The two empires greeted each other and got right down to business.

"You majesty we'd like to clear up the confusion on how your ships suddenly appeared on this planet?"

Leon smiled and after a quick gesture from his emperor, replayed instead.

"We've discovered a time warp between our two galaxies through this planet. As long as you continue flying north of the planet's atmosphere you'll enter our galaxy's territory."

Alton controlled his body's reaction after hearing about the time warp but it couldn't hide his sharp eyes that scoured Leon, searching for more information.

After giving up some maps and information about each of their empires they quickly established several trade routes and possible business opportunities.

A brief recap of their political situations sent Alton's emperor deep into thought. They called a recess and temporarily left the meeting room. Alton followed his emperor also deep in thought, rebels?Should we side with these people? Why did the rebels try to involve us? What benefits could it bring us?

"Commander Alton, what do you think?"

Alton paused his train of thought, and answered seriously,

"The rebels have already made a move against us and although we haven't confirmed that the gas that we found in our control rooms was from the rebels it is highly likely."

"Besides this, when entering a new area it's better to have someone as a guide. Not to mention it seems there's trouble brewing over there." His face was calm as he spoke and his eyes focused on the emperor.

The emperor's frown eased, "While i agree with having someone on our side while entering forgien environments were still not sure how much they could offer us and weather it would truly be worthwhile to become allies."

The two looked at eachother, "We need more information." The emperor said. Alton only nodded his head, they knew basically nothing about these people or their situation.

"We should send an envoy, someone who is trustworthy and of high status. Somewhat similar to a hostage, where we could use their power to pressure the Poga Empire into keeping them safe."

"We would also need to welcome someone from the Poga empire into our empire as well. After all i assuming that the Poga empire feels the same as us."

Calling over his subordinates Alton relayed the information that the emperor had shared with him and asked for their opinions of people who could take up the task. Meanwhile the empire was conversing with the other two Star Commanders who had come, Norris Blackstar and Nyla Oden.

Their opinions aligned with Altons and the emperors, they needed more information and they needed someone trustworthy and with strong fighting capabilities. They were, after all, sending someone into the middle of an uprising. Someone who if things went south could escape safely.

The emperor looked over at Alton who had stepped aside and was speaking with his subordinates. The he looked back at his other two Star Commanders, "I'm thinking of sending Alton but,"

He hesitated watching the expressions of the two people. Nyla spoke up finally,"Who would take care of the capital's safety while he was away? Who would leave with him?"

Norris similarly seemed concerned, "He wouldn't pull a stunt and purposely get into a fight right?"

His small jab at Altons battle manic side lightened the heavy atmosphere somewhat. They were all wary about what trouble this new Poga Empire could cause.

Finally The emperor called over Alton and spoke his thoughts. Altons face remained calm and his gaze directed towards the emperor was firm,

"Your majesty Ilya I would be honored to undertake this task."

Placing a fisted hand over his heart he bowed his head, a formal salute.

When the meeting started again, Altons emperor brought up the idea of exchanging an envoy. It seemed that this idea was well received and General Leon's emperor smiled and said she would love to both send any envoy and receive one.

Plans were discussed and the upcoming date was only a month away; neither ruler was willing to hold back longer than necessary.

"We will be sending Star Commander Alton, I hope that his safety is secure and that we can further our bond when our understanding of each other is greater."

Altons Empor smiled, his gray eyes curving slightly.

High General Leon's emperor smiled as well, "We will be sending High General Sorin as our envoy. I also hope that we can strengthen our bond and further our understanding of each other. May the stars guide you Empor Ilya."

"Safe travels Emperor Eloise."

The holographic screen flickered and the call was disconnected. On the other side Emperor Eloise turned to Leon, "You'll be in charge of finding someone to receive those envoys, That Star Commander didn't look like some flimsy general, treat the envoy with the highest respect, they could be potential allies."

Leon smiled lightly and nodded his head,

"Cousin dont worry, I'll handle it. I may even go welcome them myself."

Eloise's pursed her lips in a small smile,

"Ok ok, I trust you. Now! I'm going to meet the Chancellor, this New universe may be just what we need."

Leon thought back to the sharp reddish brown eyes that followed the conversation like a beast eyeing its prey and smiled. Now he really wanted to be the one receiving their envoy, he was looking forward to their future interactions.

-1 month later-

Alton stared at the ship entrance, they had passed through the odd space time hole and entered the galaxy on the other side. It was just the same as any other galaxy he had been in; only this whole area had never been explored by any of the Gurr Empires people. Danger lay everywhere.

News had gotten out to both the Alliance and the Federation but they didn't want to purposefully suppress it anyway. Sooner or later the others would send their greetings and express an interest in sending and receiving envoys.

'I wonder who will be there to greet me?'

He gave the command to get ready and soon the ships prepared to land, they had approached and landed on the Poga Empires capital planet.

With soldiers standing in neat lines behind him and Serge and Ralph by his sides he left the ship and made the walk out to meet the envoys. Staring at the fimlar handsome face that currently held a frivolous looking smile his lips twitched. Shaking his head at his own thoughts he walked forward unaware of what the scene appeared like to those watching nearby.

A very handsome man with neat black hair stepped off a huge imposing battle spaceship, behind him in neat lines stood soldiers wearing back and silver uniforms, their steps completely in sync. The man led the soldiers off the ship in an imposing manner. His reddish brown eyes swept over the people standing below, bringing the feeling of being eyed by a predator. As he neared the escort group that was sent to welcome them he smiled pleasantly,

"High Generg Leon, pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise, Star Commander Alton. I'll be with you throughout your whole experience here in Poga empire, I hope you will enjoy your stay."