Three Square Meals Ch. 112

She bowed respectfully to the three women. "I am delighted to welcome you to Trankara, honoured guests."

"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Queen Niskera," the Maliri Fleet Commander said, returning her bow.

"The feeling is mutual, Fleet Commander Lilyana," Niskera replied with a warm smile. She looked quizzically at the Lionesses, noting their opaque faceplates. "Irillith? Tashana? Is that you?"

The white-armoured woman on the right shook her head. "This is the first time we've met, Queen Niskera. My name's Ilyana and my companion is Almari. We serve as bodyguards to Queen Edraele, but she assigned us to protect Fleet Commander Lilyana while she wages war against the Kirrix."

"I assure you that your Fleet Commander is quite safe on Trankara," Thandrun rumbled. "I give you my personal guarantee that she will come to no harm."

"I believe you, Fleet Warden," Lilyana said, looking up at the huge Trankaran warrior. "But Ilyana and Almari are not here for my protection." She glanced at Niskera. "They are here to expedite communication with our mutual friends..."

An instant later, Alyssa's telepathic voice echoed through Niskera's mind. *Ilyana and Almari are both bonded to Edraele. That means they can speak directly to her with telepathy and she can pass their messages on to John, allowing him to listen to your meeting. Edraele just has a basic connection with Lilyana, so she's only able to sense her emotions, in the same way that I am connected to you.*

"Ah, I understand. Your presence is welcome indeed," Niskera said, giving the two assassins a grateful smile. Gesturing towards the huge door behind her, she continued, "Please accompany us into the palace. The views from this platform are spectacular, but it's hardly the most comfortable of venues for such an important meeting."

Lilyana fell into step beside her as the Glowing Queen guided them into the monolithic Trankaran fortress.

Thandrun lengthened his stride so that he flanked the golden armoured Maliri. "I received word that your fleet has docked with our orbital shipyards and that you have begun installation of the new shield generators in your battleships. We have hundreds of engineers standing by to assist, so please let them know how they can best serve you in the refit operation."

Considering that for a moment, Lilyana replied, "My personnel are focusing on my battleships first, but we would certainly appreciate your help with upgrading the rest of the vessels in my fleet."

Thandrun gave her a knowing grin. "Protecting the secret of your Nova Lances, Fleet Commander?"

Lilyana turned to look at him, hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Please accept my sincere apologies; despite how it may look, I mean no disrespect. I wish such precautions were unnecessary, especially considering how supportive you've been... but I'm not at liberty to share that technology with you."

He shrugged, his blocky features lifting with a disarming smile. "After the wealth of new technology given freely to us by John Blake, to expect more would be the height of ingratitude. Although, if you do happen to have a change of heart, I certainly would not object!"

"I'll bear that in mind, Fleet Warden," she said, laughing lightly as she walked alongside the huge Trankaran.

"I am pleased to inform you that we were able to complete construction of all the shield generators you requested," he said, with no small amount of pride.

"For our fighters too?" Lilyana asked in surprise.

"All 300 of them," he replied with a nod. "The star forges are running at full capacity. Their manufacturing capabilities are unsurpassed."

"That's excellent news!" she said enthusiastically. "If you focus on refitting my cruisers, and transfer the strike-craft shield generators to the carriers, we can refit our fighters and bombers en-route to the Kirrix forces. I'd like to depart for the front lines as soon as possible."

Niskera walked up to a set of double doors and smiled as she pressed the rune embedded on the wall. "At this rate, we shall have nothing left to discuss when we start the meeting."

"Don't worry, there's a number of interesting developments we still have to talk about," Lilyana said, with an unreadable note to her voice.

The two Trankarans exchanged a curious look, then followed the three Maliri into the meeting room.

When they had shut the door behind them, Lilyana glanced at the assassins. "Ladies, if you would be so kind as to sweep the room."

They nodded, producing small black devices from their belts and began scanning the interior of the audience chamber for surveillance equipment.

"This is a secure room, we are not being observed or overheard," Niskera said, watching the Maliri in bemusement. "I would not breach your trust in such a manner."

"I regret the insinuation that you can't be trusted, but we can't take the risk that others might have bugged the room. Please believe me when I tell you that it's imperative that we take these extra precautions. In just a moment, you'll understand why we're going to such lengths," Lilyana said, sounding apologetic.

"Take whatever measures you believe are necessary to feel at ease," Niskera replied magnanimously. She gestured towards the low table in the centre of the room and the chairs in two different sizes surrounding it. "Please make yourselves at home."

Lilyana sat in a smaller seat, while the Trankarans made themselves comfortable in the larger ones. It took a couple more minutes for the assassins to finish their electronic surveillance of the room, but they eventually nodded to each other with satisfaction and joined the others at the table.

*Do you trust Thandrun, Niskera?* Alyssa asked the Trankaran Queen, an uncharacteristic intensity to her voice. *Just let the Maliri know if you do...*

Niskera stared at the two white-armoured women sitting to either side of Lilyana. "Fleet Warden Thandrun is a steadfast ally and my closest confidant. He is one of the most honourable citizens I have had the pleasure to know and I trust him with my life."

Thandrun looked at her in astonishment when he heard her unprompted declaration of admiration for him. "Why thank you, my Queen!"

She darted a shy smile at him, then returned her focus to the Maliri. "Does that answer your question?"

The assassins exchanged a glance, then nodded to Lilyana. The Maliri Fleet Commander raised her hands to her helmet, then with a soft hiss, the seals unlocked and she slowly lifted it from her head.

Thandrun gaped in open-mouthed astonishment as she revealed her azure skin and a short shock of white hair. "By the Great Maker! The Maliri are blue Terrans?!"

Almari and Ilyana removed their Paragon helmets too, revealing beautiful blue faces with dazzling smiles, framed by long snowy-white manes.

"Our species are... distantly related," the Maliri Fleet Commander said with a wry twitch of her sensuous lips. "I hope you can forgive our precautions now; revealing our true appearance to non-Maliri is a crime punishable by death. Fortunately for us, Queen Edraele made an exception in this case."

*John thought it would make the meeting go more smoothly,* Alyssa clarified for Niskera. *But we still want to keep the Maliri's true appearance a secret.*

Thandrun's expression was earnest as he said, "I am truly honoured that you would trust me in this fashion. I swear to you that I will never betray your confidence."

Lilyana smiled at the Fleet Warden. "Niskera is a... kindred spirit... with her link to Alyssa and John. If she believes you to be trustworthy, then so do I."

As Thandrun was recovering from discovering the truth about the Maliri, Niskera poured a thick purple liquid out of a decanter into goblets and placed them in front of her guests.

"This wine was brewed locally. The volcanic soil is wonderfully fertile and supports many vineyards growing Kharlagh berries." She raised her own goblet and continued, "I would like to commemorate this special occasion with a toast. To the first official visit from the Maliri Protectorate to the Trankaran Republic. May our friendship endure for eternity."

Lilyana placed her golden helmet on the table, then reached for a goblet, her actions mirrored by the two assassins. She locked eyes with Niskera, the sparkle in her angular aquamarine orbs acknowledging the second meaning behind the Glowing Queen's warm words. "To our eternal friendship..." Sipping the wine, she savoured the earthy taste for a moment before nodding her approval. "Quite delicious, thank you."

Niskera smiled as the three Maliri enjoyed the beverage, tasting her own drink to complete her part of the toast. "You mentioned that there were other important matters that we needed to discuss? I hope all is well with Queen Edraele and your people?"

"Edraele and the Maliri Protectorate are in fine health," Lilyana replied, toying with her goblet and swirling the wine. "The new development I mentioned concerns the Kirrix. Has Alyssa informed you of her latest exploits?"

The Trankarans glanced at each other, then shook their heads, both equally intrigued.

"She has confronted the Kirrix Hive Mind," Lilyana said, leaning forward with an intense expression on her face. "Alyssa demanded that they release all your captured citizens and retreat from Trankaran Space without delay, threatening the Kirrix with extermination should they refuse. They have grudgingly agreed to her terms."

Thandrun and Niskera were both stunned by this announcement, the shock even greater than the revelation of the Maliri's true appearance.

"Then the invasion is over!" Niskera exclaimed, her amber eyes widening with joy. "We must dispatch our fleets to the liberated worlds at once and tend to all those citizens who have been violated by the Kirrix!"

Lilyana didn't reply and darted a cautionary glance at Thandrun, who nodded, sharing her sense of trepidation.

"I would advise a more measured approach, my Queen," he said, his voice sombre. "At present the Kirrix greatly outnumber our forces; we cannot afford to expose our fleets to attack, not when the majority are still awaiting upgrades."

"But our rock-brethren are running out of time!" Niskera protested, her face twisted with anguish. "Every day that we delay, more citizens will be torn apart by Kirrix spawn. We must get relief fleets out to those besieged worlds as quickly as possible to save our people!"

Lilyana gave her a sympathetic look. "I concur with the Fleet Warden's wise words, Queen Niskera. I've been informed that Alyssa forced the Kirrix to accept this treaty using threats and intimidation; they must deeply resent having to return their haul of captured hosts. Until we can confirm that the Kirrix are adhering to Alyssa's demands, caution is the prudent response."

Niskera forced herself to unclench her fists and reluctantly nodded. "I can see that your advice is well-considered. The fate of the entire Republic is at stake... we cannot afford to make any rash decisions."

Thandrun placed a comforting hand on hers. "I share your concern for our citizens, Niskera. Perhaps we could order Warden Brokurlun's advanced fleet to reconnoitre the invasion corridor? At present he is guarding the border of the Yelneg Dominion, but Dun Gerluhr and Negbhaldum are only a few hours away with his new tachyon drives."

"Please could I see a map showing the location of the worlds you're discussing?" Lilyana requested, steepling her fingers.

The Fleet Warden nodded, pressing several runes on the table with a stubby finger. A holographic map depicting the Trankaran Republic appeared, with their present location on the capital marked, as well as the Kirrix invasion corridor. Near the tip of that ochre wedge was the small cluster of systems owned by the fungoid species known as the Yelneg.

"Installing our new shield generators shouldn't take too long," Lilyana said thoughtfully, studying the map. "As soon as the refit is complete, I believe we have two options for my fleet. The first would be for me to work independently and set course for Theg Haldrim, as it's some distance from your forces in the Yelneg Dominion. Our second option would be for me to rendezvous with your fleet at Dun Gerluhr."

Niskera looked at the two different worlds. "What are the ramifications for each option?"

The Maliri Fleet Commander smiled at her and patiently explained, "Working independently, we can observe more of the Kirrix operations, doubling the rate at which we can confirm they have withdrawn from each of your worlds. However, if we're assuming that combat is a distinct possibility, then combining our forces would be the more sensible choice."

"Warden Brokurlun's fleet possesses upgraded heatsinks, improved sensors, and faster FTL drives, but they have not yet had Brimorian shielding installed," Thandrun advised them. "If his forces engage the Kirrix in combat, they would undoubtedly suffer heavy losses, but he would be able to scout their lines very effectively."

"An excellent suggestion, Fleet Warden," Lilyana agreed. "Your fleet would reach the Kirrix invasion corridor at least six hours before my own. Depending on Warden Brokurlun's observations, we can determine if I need to launch an attack and where my strike would be most effective."

"You are willing to engage the Kirrix alone?" Thandrun asked in surprise.

"If it becomes necessary... yes," she replied, looking each of them in the eyes. "However, I am under orders not to recklessly endanger my forces. I'd request that you expedite the refit operations for the rest of your fleets, so that they can join me at the earliest opportunity."

Niskera frowned and asked quietly, "Are we so certain that combat with the Kirrix is inevitable?"

"It is always wise to plan for the worst-case scenario, my Queen," Thandrun explained, receiving an approving nod from the Maliri Fleet Commander. "If disaster strikes, you are prepared for such an eventuality."

"I shall pray that such precautions are unnecessary," she said, lifting her head with hope. "If the Kirrix have taken heed of Alyssa's warning, the war will already be over. Many thousands of citizens might be spared that we would not have had time to otherwise save."

Lilyana gave her an encouraging smile. "I admire your optimism, Niskera. There's certainly no harm in hoping for the best possible outcome. I would prefer to avoid a battle too, but I'll do whatever I can to protect your people."

Touched by her sincerity, Niskera reached across the table to touch the Maliri's gauntleted hand. "We will never forget your assistance in our time of direst need. If there is anything the Trankaran Republic can do for the Maliri, simply name it and we will do everything in our power to fulfil your request."

Looking down at that stony grey hand covered with glowing lines, Lilyana removed her gauntlet and interlaced her slender blue fingers with Niskera's. "We're friends and allies, Glowing Queen. There's no need to keep tally of favours freely given."

There was a quiet moment of understanding between them, the budding friendship cemented with a shared smile.

Niskera sat back, gently separating her fingers from Lilyana's. She turned to her hulking companion who had been watching them both in fascination. "Thandrun, perhaps now would be a good time to share the tactical briefing you have prepared for our friends?"

He quickly nodded as he composed himself, tapping runes on the desk to activate a dozen holo-screens displaying reams of data. "I have gathered as much pertinent information for you as possible. This briefing covers the systems in the invasion corridor, astronomical features in that region of space which might be used to your tactical advantage, and everything we know about the Kirrix fleet compositions."

Lilyana studied the detailed reports on the Kirrix, which had been transmitted by besieged worlds right up until communications were severed by the invaders. "Outstanding work, Fleet Warden. Your people's stoicism under terrifying circumstances is impressive to say the least. I'm astonished that they continued to gather data on the invaders when they could have been fleeing for their lives."

His expression was grim as he nodded. "They understood that sometimes an individual must make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of the many."

She stared at him in silence for a moment, then said ruefully, "That lesson is one long forgotten by the Maliri. For millennia our civilisation has regressed, becoming increasingly egotistical and self-centred."

Ilyana patted the Fleet Commander on her armoured vambrace. "That might have been true of the Maliri Regency, but the Maliri Protectorate is guided by very different hands."

Almari had a fervent gleam in her eyes as she declared, "Baen'thelas brought light into that darkness! For the first time in millennia, we have ventured beyond the borders of Maliri Space and are conversing freely with non-Maliri... a fine testimony to the changes he's already wrought."

Niskera smiled at the three blue-skinned women. "I find there is already much to admire about the Maliri. If your society reflects the three of you, I suspect that your people will become a beacon of inspiration to us all."

*Not yet,* Alyssa murmured. *But we're working on it...*

***

John closed his eyes and listened attentively as Edraele recounted the details of the meeting between the Maliri and the Trankarans. When Thandrun's long briefing came to a close, John requested that Almari have a moment alone with the Glowing Queen.

***

Niskera gave Thandrun a reassuring smile as she watched him leave the room, the big Trankaran accompanied by two of the three Maliri, who were concealed behind their armour once again. When the door closed behind them, leaving Niskera alone with Almari, the Maliri assassin removed her helmet and walked around the table to stand before the Trankaran Queen.

"Baen'thelas wanted to take this opportunity to talk with you personally, Queen Niskera," Almari said, with a hint of reverence to her voice. "I'll be repeating his words, and Edraele will tell him whatever you say to me."

"I understand... and thank you so much for facilitating this conversation," Niskera said gratefully.

The Maliri nodded to her, then cleared her throat. "Niskera, I'm very proud of you for what you've achieved so far. You've rallied your people and the Republic is now rapidly regaining its strength."

If she could have blushed, the Trankaran Queen would have done so at hearing his warm praise. "Thank you for your kind words, John. To see the rock-brethren united at long last was a dream that I despaired would never come to pass."

"And how are you coping with the changes to yourself?" Almari asked softly, hesitating for a moment, then reaching out to trace a finger along the glowing lines covering Niskera's forearm. "Alyssa told me that recently you've been feeling... isolated."

Niskera gave the Maliri a brave smile. "It was a little strange to see the effect my appearance has on my people. I am sure I will get used to it in time."

"I want you to be honest with me if you're feeling unhappy, Niskera," Almari said, with a look of sympathy.

Leaning heavily against the desk, Niskera looked away from those concerned cobalt eyes. "It has been harder than I anticipated," she finally admitted. "Thandrun is the only one who sees me as anything other than the Glowing Queen and even he looks at me in awe for the first few minutes of every day. At first it was flattering to be looked upon with such wonder... but the novelty has passed."

Almari put her arm around the troubled Trankaran's shoulder. "Alyssa said you were very happy for a while... she thought you might have begun a relationship?"

Niskera nodded and let out a forlorn sigh. "His name was Orinaden... one of the most handsome Rock-brothers I have ever laid eyes upon. To have such a male as my mate was glorious, especially when he gazed upon me with such adoration. However, I quickly came to realise that he only had eyes for the Glowing Queen... and was incapable of seeing me as anything beyond that."