Chapter 1444 – An Unlikely Alliance

“Can I ask how progress is going in the fifth stratum? The Legion is quite familiar with just how temperamental it can be,” Chyron stated.

There was only the slightest pause before Jern replied. He must have been passing on the Commander’s words as she spoke them.

“You may not. That information is only for those who are part of the expedition.”

Meaning, if they wanted to know, then they would have to commit their support for the invasion. Not an unexpected reply.

“I don’t want to waste words,” Chyron stated evenly. “I know that there have been difficulties down there. The knowledge of the Legion would be invaluable to you, as would our participation.”

“Knowledge has no value when there is no trust. The same goes for prowess on the battlefield.”

Chyron couldn’t help giving a wry smile.

“If you thought we weren’t of any use, you wouldn’t be here at all.”

“I’m the only one in the Colony who believes in the potential of our cooperation. There is also commensurate–did I say that right? I did? Commensurate risk. The key to success in these negotiations is finding an acceptable balance.”

“How old are you?” Chyron asked.

“Who… me?” Jern asked. “I’m eighteen.”

“Not you.”

Only eighteen? Morrelia thought. This guy is massive!

And he moved well. It was difficult to put her finger on, but there was something about the way he placed his feet, his balance, and the way he didn’t seem hampered by the axe on his back, but aware of it at all times. Just what sort of training had the Colony put him through?

Solant tilted her head to one side, her antennae waving curiously.

“Does it matter?” the ant replied.

Chyron shook her head.

“The Legion has been fighting monsters for thousands of years. I personally have served for over six decades, and in that time, I’ve fought in every stratum from the second to the sixth. Don’t underestimate what we bring to the table.”

Solant flicked her antennae.

“My family is young, but capable of so much more than you imagine. As am I. Let’s keep in our minds just why your Legion is here. You want to kill the Eldest, because they have been subjected to the Call, something beyond their control. Naturally, this means the Colony is disinclined to accept your help. Now, without wasting any more words, let us state our positions clearly. What are your conditions for lending aid to the Colony?”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

This was the kind of negotiating Commander Chyron preferred, one without pretence.

“A guarantee of safety goes without saying. Access to all information gathered by your Colony in the Fifth stratum. And regular access to the ‘Eldest’.”

“Why would you need access to the Eldest?”

“Inspection purposes.”

There was a long moment of silence as the ants conferred amongst themselves. Morrelia felt the tension rise amongst the troops, and she moved to clap the nearest soldier on the pauldron, catching his eyes and giving him a steadying nod. No good would come from the troops being too tense. A little nervous energy was good, kept a person on their toes. Too much led to errors. She did not want to see any errors.