Chapter 1: The Arrival

At the Jumpstation One Interstellar Spaceport, a tech approached Colonel Ecart with a small device. He gestured toward his collar, and she nervously attached it, fitting him with an earpiece from the box. This device was designed to translate his speech for the approaching dignitaries. Meanwhile, Anna and Eric were given earpieces to facilitate communication as well. Positioned behind Ecart in the docking bay, they awaited the arrival of the visitors.

Suddenly, a black blur dashed into the room, with Ben scrambling after it, hands outstretched. Upon realizing the chase had led him to Ecart, he stumbled to a stop. Colby, with a powerful leap, landed on Ecart's shoulder.

Ben, panicked, stammered, "S-sir! I swear, the c-carrier latch was secure, Sir! I don't know how he escaped!" He trailed off, mumbling that Colby should have still been too sedated to get out.

Without turning, Ecart waved a hand dismissively at Ben, who sidled away, clearly wishing to vanish. Anna observed Ben tugging at his sleeves to cover scratches on his arms, a mark of recent trouble.

As the last airlock rolled aside, the lights dimmed significantly. Ecart steadied Colby, who settled around his shoulders as five tall, blue-skinned aliens emerged, clad in flowing iridescent robes.

Seeing their large, dark indigo eyes, Anna understood the need for dim lighting; their vision must be sensitive to bright light. Each alien's robe was a vibrant color, perhaps indicating rank or specialty.

As Ecart greeted the aliens in their language, Anna heard the translation in her earpiece: "Your Serene Eminence, we welcome you." He continued in Sol Standard, introducing himself and extending a warm welcome on behalf of the United Sol Council.

The aliens responded with a slight bow, their spokesperson speaking in slightly accented Sol Standard, "Greetings, Colonel Ecart. We are honored to be here." They approached, exchanging brief arm grips with him.

Their curiosity piqued, the visitors crowded around Colby, who remained surprisingly calm. "What is the role of this creature?" Their Serene Eminence inquired.

Ecart, momentarily taken aback, redirected their attention, introducing Anna as the journalist documenting this historic event. He added with a smirk, "She'll answer all your questions about the creature. His name is 'Colby' and he’s a feline."

The aliens quickly surrounded her, bombarding her with questions as Ecart led them out of the docking bay.

Chapter 2: An Alliance in the Making

The Dlyrans continued their inquiries about cats as they progressed through the corridor, where a security team awaited them in dress uniforms. Led by Sergeant Major Ingram, they formed an honor guard that flanked the group.

As they walked, the Dlyrans displayed childlike enthusiasm, fascinated by every detail around them. They paused frequently to offer awkward handshakes to crew members, their attempts at human gestures leaving both parties bemused.

Despite their excitement about Colby, Anna struggled to convey that the cat was merely a pet, providing comfort without any official purpose in Ecart's command. Colby, however, maintained his regal posture, surveying the scene from Ecart's shoulder.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the common room where a large circular table awaited them. A matronly figure in Graham's clan tartan greeted the group alongside two newly appointed USC officers, now in crisp uniforms.

As Ecart took his seat, Colby claimed his lap, and the formalities began.

The Dlyran leader expressed their intent to form an alliance, and Ecart explained the importance of the occasion, emphasizing that the interface AI, named 'Winston,' would record everything.

As Winston's holographic image appeared, the Dlyrans gathered around, asking questions with palpable excitement. Ecart advised Anna to interview the aliens for a system-wide broadcast, noting the urgency due to the ongoing war affecting the Sol Union.

"Can you finalize the agreement?" Anna asked. Ecart confirmed, stating it was already drafted before their departure and he was authorized to finalize it.

With rising tension, Ecart explained the dire situation: enemies planned to frame the Dlyrans' arrival as a rescue, prompting an incursion that would endanger both parties.

Amidst this urgency, Anna prepared to edit the footage for a swift broadcast, realizing the significance of this moment.

Anna connected to the station's video-record system while Ecart introduced Winston and the Dlyran representatives, highlighting their roles in the alliance negotiations.

As the holographic display showcased the preamble to the Articles of Alliance, everyone followed along, aware of the historic nature of the event.

With the agreement finalized, Ecart, the Dlyran officials, and Anna posed together under the station sign, symbolizing a new beginning.

Keep an eye out for Chapter Eleven, where we reunite with Yianelle. Coming soonish… Catch up with all previous installments here:

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Denise is the owner/editor of the WE PAW Bloggers publication. It's an exclusive platform for members of the Facebook group, WE PAW Bloggers, which serves as a community for writers to support each other in their creative journeys.