Free Star Force: Zealot (SF87) (Star Force Origin Series) by Aer-ki Jyr Page B

about the Trinx being able to duplicate them. The Chixzon were very deliberate when they designed them, knowing that the galaxy would try anything and everything they could to stop them. The system is nearly fullproof. Even we can’t hack the system with the extensive knowledge we have of it.”
    “And there is only one Chixzon around to control it.”
    “Yes,” Paul said, understanding the significance of that statement more than they did, though he did not add the ‘for now.’
    “Then the Trinx may simply want to destroy your ability to control the Hamoriti by destroying whatever ship he is on.”
    “They’ve already tried that once,” the Domu pointed out. “Unless they mistook Paul’s ship for the other, they are pursuing a larger strategy.”
    “There are too many of us here,” the cyborg argued. “They can’t mount a straightforward attack. They are trying to chip away at our strength while they gather theirs. They will strike again when the numbers are more to their advantage…and when they do, we must fight them.”
    “They have been our allies for a very long time,” the Sety said cautiously. “We should not throw away that allegiance so casually.”
    “They have betrayed us,” the Bpret said meekly, its body shifting in and out of alignment with its current humanoid form as it spoke, almost as if it was shivering with fear.
    “I do not understand why,” the Breti said in agreement. “We have long hoped for a way to end the conflict, or at least to forestall it. Star Force has proved they are capable of this, the Trinx have seen it happen so there should be no doubt. Now they seek to destroy that control and return this Hamoriti to its rampages. What are they thinking?”
    “Perhaps,” the Sety said apologetically to defend against a backlash, “they see Star Force control of it, and potentially the others, as more problematic. They did almost release another.”
    “What is the alternative?” the Dati countered.
    “They share control with us.”
    “They refuse to, so I ask again, what is the alternative?”
    “They reconsider,” the Sety pressed.
    “Are we also going to have to oppose you at some point?” it asked bluntly.
    The Sety didn’t answer, drawing intense scrutiny from the other 7 members present, for the Yisv had been absent ever since the group moved to the same system as the Hamoriti.
    “Answer him,” the cyborg asked.
    “We seek to renegotiate control,” the Sety finally said.
    “What do you have to offer?” Paul interrupted before more bickering could break out.
    “Offer?” the Sety repeated, somewhat shocked.
    “Yes. You said negotiate. That typically involves one side offering the other something of value in exchange. You have done no such thing. You simply make demands. That is not negotiation.”
    “We have given you a historical account.”
    “I highly doubt you would see that as compensation for control over a Uriti if the situation were reversed, and in any case, that transfer has already been made. You are not getting control. Therefore what do you intend to negotiate beyond this point?”
    “What is it you are demanding?”
    “Nothing. You’re simply not getting control.”
    “That is unacceptable.”
    “You abandoning the H’kar to the Li’vorkrachnika is unacceptable.”
    “We saved them.”
    “Yes, you did. Points for that. Then you left them sit on the border without the help you promise all members of The Nexus. An attack on one is an attack on them all…except not with the H’kar.”
    “Is that why you won’t share control?”
    “It demonstrates that you are untrustworthy, and that your promises are not valid. As for the other races here, we don’t know you. Why would we give you control over something as powerful as a Uriti? Especially given the actions of your fellow guardians.”
    “This is pointless,” the Jonstar said before anyone else could continue. “Only one person can control the Hamoriti, and his loyalty is to