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When you are satisfied of the sincerity of our intentions, we will invite an Earth delegation to Vraxos to negotiate a treaty for future bilateral trade and diplomatic relations.

To give assurances of our peaceful intentions, President Cameron’s daughter will be speaking to her mother privately.

People of Earth, let me finish by saying this. It is a stain on both our great civilizations that we have allowed our bitter conflict to continue for so long. Let us rectify that. Let us start a new chapter. Let us share our knowledge and pool our resources. Let us bring our people together.

We cannot change the past. But with boldness, conviction, and clear-eyed determination, we can change our future.

We look forward to your response.”

Kara nodded slowly.

“It’s good. When did it go out?”

“It was transmitted last night.”

General Solarun seemed even more terse than usual and Kara had to press for more detail.

“And? Has there been any feedback?”

“Our communications monitoring stations are reporting a wave of positive reaction worldwide. There’ve been public appeals to your authorities to accept the peace offer. Now it’s your turn. Speak to your mother and reinforce the message.”

“She knows I’m going to call?”

“She was informed there would be contact from Vraxos.” Ela looked her up and down. “Can I ask, what thedrekare you wearing?”

“Ah.” Kara glanced down at herself. “Daa’sten said it was all the rage.”

The Vraxian’s lip curled and Kara couldn’t blame her. She was wearing some of the least objectional items Daa’sten had sent over that morning, though that wasn’t saying much: a bright orange top made from shiny lycra-type material that fit her about as well as a sack and some kind of satiny leggings that puddled round her feet.

Honestly, she would have worn her prison clothes again if Daa’sten hadn’t threatened to wrestle them off her.

“Awful, isn’t it? I asked for a belt but there’s nothing small enough.”

“I have no interest in your fashion failures. I’m only here because the Zhaal asked me to assist you.”

“How is he?”

Kara immediately wanted to bite her tongue. Especially when Ela’s expression became even more hostile.

“That’s not your concern, human. You have a part to play, as does he. Just so we’re clear, I don’t share his faith in you.”

“Yes, I’m getting that. But trust me, I want the plan to work as much as Vahn.”

“Do you?” Ela stepped closer. “Because he’s taking a huge risk. Not just for the future of the planet but by his ridiculous idea to marry you.”

“You think I don’t know that?” Kara glared at her. “Yes, it’s a risk. But uniting through marriage is a strategy that’s worked for countless civilizations on Earth. I bet it’s the same on Vraxos. I know for a fact that clan Vantrax is trying to get one of its own into the gene pool.”

Ela gritted her teeth. She couldn’t argue with that.

“Layahn. Baelon’s niece. She will be hard to beat.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Any tips?”

“Don’t let your guard down.”

“Wow, brilliant. Wouldn’t have thought of that.”

Ela controlled her temper. The human was aggravating.