Free Star Force: Resolution (SF89) (Star Force Origin Series) by Aer-ki Jyr

changed?”
    “Our leadership,” the Trinx said darkly. “I do not
speak for those that you’ve previously had contact with.”
    “By contact you mean those that attacked us?”
    The Trinx nodded. “And those that were contacted
through diplomatic means. I represent a faction of loyalists who are currently
attempting to depose our insane leaders. Will you negotiate a separate
settlement with us?”
    “The fighting on the surface is internal then?”
    “It is.”
    “Who controls your warships?”
    “The opposition.”
    “Who’s winning?”
    “We outnumber them and are galvanizing support from
the general population. We have no wish to see our world destroyed and are
trying to save our people before this invasion lays waste to the planet. While
we do not have control yet, I am asking if we can come to terms to avoid
conflict.”
    “What sort of terms?”
    “That is what I am asking you. What options will you
allow us?”
    “What is your name and position?”
    “I am Chosan, former commander of the Hamoriti
containment forces.”
    “Former?”
    “When I refused to assault your control vessel and
endanger the Chixzon I was removed from command. While we have no formal
structure, I am the unofficial leader of the rebellion.”
    “So you were responsible for sending wave after wave
of Li’vorkrachnika to their deaths?”
    “I was.”
    “I do not find that fact reassuring.”
    The Trinx frowned. “I do not mean to bicker with those
that I am pleading with for our lives, but are you not killing them in far
greater numbers?”
    “We are, but we are doing so honorably. They always
have the option to surrender, but they choose not to take it.”
    “Those that I sent to die chose that end.”
    “They use many dishonorable tactics, which is one
reason we are fighting them. A race as advanced as yours I would hope to know
better.”
    “We had no other choice,” Chosan said simply, “but if
there is blame to be had I accept it.”
    Oni looked at his hologram for a silent moment, trying
to size him up. “We did not come here to kill you, we came here to conquer you
and end the threat you pose. Our boarding parties are equipped with stun
weapons and the captives will be taken out of the system to a holding
facility.”
    The Trinx looked stunned. “I do not mean offense, but
what cause do you have for such mercy?”
    “It’s the way we fight. We would do the same with the
Li’vorkrachnika if they didn’t kill themselves once captured.”
    “What end did you intend for us?”
    “Your sovereignty will be revoked. Our invasion line
into Li’vorkrachnika territory will be entering this region soon and we cannot
risk having your ships striking us where we are weak. You must therefore be
neutralized, but that doesn’t mean murdered. We are taking possession of this
system, and while some of you may die, and already have, it was through combat
of your choosing. Every defense station we have assaulted was ordered to stand
down and surrender, to which they refused.”
    “I expect no less from those scoundrels, but not all
of our military will follow them if allowed another path. I have no contacts of
merit in orbit, but on the surface we are organizing and growing quickly.”
    “Enough to lower a section of your planetary shield?”
    “We have not attempted to do so yet, for such an
assault will be very costly. They are bringing the fight to us for the moment
and killing their brothers and sisters out of a sanity that I cannot fully
comprehend. If we surrender to you, what becomes of us after this holding
facility?”
    “Annexation.”
    “Into your empire?”
    “Yes.”
    “What of this star system?”
    “It was to be completely evacuated, assuming your
people would resist us with every effort. If that is not the case then the
dynamic is changed.”
    “What does annexation mean to you?”
    “You will surrender your younglings to our training
facilities as well as all future births. They will know only