"I'm hailing the ships." Dagaa announced as he tapped into the console.
The silence was intense as minutes passed waiting for a reply. Providence didn't realize she was sitting on the edge of her seat till the computer beeped startling her. She almost fell onto the floor.
Dagaa looked at her in concern.
"We have a response. Thank the Goddess it's the Agurtzane. Bringing them on screen now." Dagaa sighed in relief.
The screen showing the three ships orbiting the Toufik planet shifted and a completely unexpected image replace it. Two pale almost blue individuals appeared before them. They had large perfectly round eyes, slits for noses, and a narrow line of a mouth. When Providence looked them up and down, she noted what appeared to be gills on the sides of their necks, which opened and closed, along with some sort of spines on their short forearms. It looked as if the two Agurtzane were treading in a fluid that filled their ship.
Providence was amazed at seeing the advanced aquatic species. She shut her mouth trying to remember her manners and not gawk.
"Greetings Cadi. I am Hiroki, captain of the Agurtzane fleet. This is my lieutenant Sidika." The fish-man on the left introduced himself then pointed to his companion.
It was odd hearing words she understood being translated yet still hearing the mix of high-pitched squeaks and low bellows of the aquatic species. Their language reminded Providence of dolphin or whale calls.
"Greetings Hiroki, Sidika." Dagaa placed his fist on his chest and bowed. Madhava did the same, so Providence followed suit. "I am Dagaa, Ardrigh of the Cadi."
Providence hadn't heard Dagaa referred to by this title and assumed it must allude to Dagaa's authority status in Kagan's absence.
"This is Madhava, my lieutenant and Providence. I bring you greetings from my esteemed Daimio, Kagan. We deeply appreciate the talks you have opened with our people and your assistance in locating the Toufik. We hope this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial alliance."
Providence looked at Dagaa as he stood tall and proud speaking diplomatically with the Agurtzane. His stoic expression was the complete opposite of his otherwise playful demeanor. That along with his self-assured swagger made her proud, and hot damn he never looked sexier.
"It is an honor. Our Podus also desires to expand our alliances. After receiving notice of your valiant intent to rescue this species, we have come to offer assistance. It is very rare to meet an altruistic species such as you."
"Hiroki I wish to enter this relationship with nothing but honesty. I must admit to you that in the past the Toufik were enslaved on our planet. They were valued chattel while our people fought a desperate civil war. We deluded ourselves into believing the situation was amenable since the Toufik came from a dying planet and we generally treated them kindly. However we have learned the error of our ways. The Toufik fought valiantly beside our Daimio to end our civil war. Our Daimio hopes to bring us into an era that our people have not seen for centuries, one in which we wish to form beneficial alliances with honorable species such as yourselves. Our first effort to make amends is to rescue our brethren here."
Bubbles rose up from both of the Agurtzane and their mouths opened as a warbled sound was emitted. Providence hoped it wasn't a bad sign as she looked at the aquatic people in confusion. It was hard reading their expressions.
"We are shocked by your admission, but appreciate your honesty." Hiroki replied.
Providence wondered if their burbled response had been a nervous one.
"We have recently cut ties with a dishonorable merchant species that call themselves the Jurou Biljana. They are the reptile species that brought the Toufik to our planet. In fact this ship was taken from them, when we learned they had cheated our people, and brought a terrible weapon to our world which killed many people. Do you know this species?"
"No, but we are cautious with the people we choose to deal with. I must admit that if we had known your history we might have reconsidered contacting you. However we cannot in good faith ignore the plight of these Toufik people. Unfortunately as you may well see we are unable to support them on our world."
Providence could imagine the aquatic species might be hesitant to make allies. They seemed incredibly vulnerable. Most of the species she'd seen breathed air. If the Agurtzane were captured, they would easily be at risk. Then again if under attack, water filled ship or oxygen filled ship, both would be equally at risk in space.
"I understand your reservations. It is wise to be cautious. It is best that you avoid the Jurou Biljana. I will send you all the information we have on them." Dagaa warned the Agurtzane. "Thank you for your understanding and patience. Our people have grown tired of fighting amongst themselves. It is not our desire to start up that fight again with others when mutual benefit can be found." Dagaa replied attempting to allay their fears.