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Space... as immeasurable and vast as nature is strange and untamable. This had been known to humanity for some time now, already having began exploration into the void between stars. But never as much as when an unexpected guest had made an equally unexpected appearance...

The serviceman rushed frantically through the bustling halls of the complex. Men and women in uniform moved about, doing any number of tasks and seemed in constant motion. Marines could be seen outside marching in formation, rifles resting on their shoulders. Earth was a busy place now, and the Confederacy's Extrasolar Security Headquarters Complex showed just that. The serviceman weaved in and out between people as he made his way urgeantly to his CO's office. The man panted for only a bried minute, adjusted his uniform and knocked on the dark oak wooden door. "Enter," the officer answered abruptly. The serviceman swung the door open and shut it with ease in a practiced and fluid motion. He stood in attention and saluted his superior as was military protocol. "Admiral Richards, Sir. Lieutenant Aaron Merrisfield, Second Division, Colonial Marines, Sir."

"At ease, Lieutenant. What's the hustle? You look like you were in a hurry to get here from whereever you're coming from."

"Yes. Sir. I was ordered to request your presence immediately at the POW interrogation center by Captain Melston, Sir. He wants you to see the prisoner we picked up for yourself."

"Really? Ha, and what makes the Captain think this one prisoner in particular is deserving of an Admiral's time?"

"Sorry, Sir. The Captain didn't say. Only that the prisoner requested specifically to speak to the Captain's superior. That's you, Sir."

The Admiral shook his head and sighed, raising from his arm chair and fixing his uniform as he stepped from behind his desk.

"Very well, Lieutenant. Take me to the Captain immediately." The Lieutenant nodded and opened the door for the Admiral, closing it behind them and escorting the Admiral to the transport shuttle. The trip took roughly half an hour as the two left the Security Complex and arrived at a secure POW facility. This facility was equaly busy, though fewer people actually spoke. As the two came to the prisoner in question's interrogation cell, the Admiral was greeted by the Captain.

"Admiral Richards, thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Don't mention it, Jonathan, but this had better be worth my time, I am after all a busy man."

"Yes, Sir. I think you'll find that the prisoner we have here will interest you very much, Sir."

"Oh, and why is that? Your Lieutenant said something about the prisoner being self explanatory."

"Yes, Sir. I think you'll find that's very much the truth." The Captain slid his ID card through the security lock and opened the door. The room was lit only by light coming in through the window. A small number of officers and serviceman had gathered in front of it, apparently anxious to see the prisoner for themselves. The Admiral stood at the end of the interrogation table, looking at his less than visible detainee. He motioned the Captain to turn on the lights so he could see who he was dealing with. Although, for the Admiral, the question of "what" he was dealing with, may have been more appropriate.

The Admiral stood silently as the crowd outside audibly conversed in all manner of shock and disbelief. The prisoner sat across from him, breathing slowly as he shielded his eyes from the harsh light behind closed lids. His body was covered with short fur, grey in color. His entire appearance appeared to be that of something similar to Earth's wolves. His furry hands were restrained, chained to the table and unable to be moved hardly at all. The creature wore what appeared to be a uniform of military nature, though the visible language on his ID was unknown. Bone formations lay bare and visible against his fur, appearing in a symetrical pattern across his forehead and collar. The Admiral simply stood there taking in the strange, familiarly alien appearance of the prisoner. After a long moment, he sat down and just watched the being, apparently male, given his physique.

"I am Alexander Richards, Admiral of the Earth Confederacy Navy. Identify yourself." The prisoner opened his eyes and simply looked at the Admiral. His pupils were even more alien than the rest of his appearance. Instead of the single, round pupils humans possess, his were narrow and came in near sets of two, the pupils of each eye connected at the center, surrounded by a deep green iris. He remained silent as he calmly looked at the Admiral.

"I'll say again, I am Alexander Richards, Admiral of the Earth Confederacy Navy. To whom am I speaking?"

"Admiral... Navy... so, you're the one I requested?" The Admiral couldn't help but be in shock, if only for a moment. He'd hoped to get some sort of response, but hadn't expected to recieve it in such a human sounding voice.

"My apologies for not answering you the first time. I needed to hear you a bit more to understand you."

"I see. So, that writing on your uniform is your native language, then?"

"Indeed. Guardsman First Class, Leandros Renksa, 4th Flotilla, Domain Exploration Division. I can only assume that since I have not been attacked or injured, you intend no harm at the moment. I'd like to ask why I've been forcibly detained and my ship impounded."

"It seems we both have some questions for each other. Tell you what, you answer mine, and I'll answer yours. Deal?"

"As you wish. But may I request that observers outside the window be made to move on? Their constant chatting and mention of my being a "walking pelt with a bone deformation" is beginning to wear on my nerves." The Admiral leaned back in surprise. He was nearer the window and couldn't hear anything himself. The people were whispering too. He looked to his captive and nodded, motioning the guards to move the crowd away.

"My thanks, Admiral. Now, what is it you would like to know?"

"Straight to business, then? Fair enough. Let's start with the obvious question of what the heck are you?"

"I believe you refer to naval personnel as "servicemen". This is an appropriate title for my personal role."

"And that role is part of this, "Flotilla"?

"Indeed. I was part of the 4th Flotilla, sent to this system to observe and gather intelligence about the only naturally habitable world here."

"For what purpose?"

"Security and the furthering of my people's knowledge of the galaxy."

"And who are your people."

"Sorry Admiral, that's classified."

"Classified?" You seem to be professional in your military protocol, Mr. Renksa."

"Indeed I am, as are all who choose to stay with the service of my people."

"I take it then that your role is a military one?"

"Indeed."

"Are your people a threat to my race?"

"No more than you are to yourselves."

"And what does that mean?"

"We will not openly seek warfare, but we will not suffer being insulted or attacked by anyone. Mine is a proud people, Admiral. You'd do well to remember that before your Captain chooses to execute me and send me off to be disected" Renksa cast his gaze to the Captain, remaining silent but sending a clear threat.

"That ship of yours, its design is very unique. Quite advanced, as well."

"My people are of significant technological level. I'm afraid that any insight you may desire into such technology is classified top secret by the Domain."

"The Domain... your government I assume"

"Indeed. It is the center of my people's authority and strength in the galaxy and the shield against invaders that may threathen our borders."

"You called yourself "Guardsman" in your identification. Is that your rank?"

"It is. It is my honor to serve my brothers and sisters, though I hope to reach a higher level of command."

"Can you tell me about said command structure?"

"Only that your Captain and I are of similar rank. My superiors will take note of your line of questioning in their decision on how to best approach your species."

"Oh please, what could a bunch of furry talking beasts do to us?" The Captain scoffed. He obviously was not convinced that Renksa posed any sort of threat.

"As military, I assure you that I am well trained and will not suffer your belittlement of my people's honor. I suggest you hold your tongue. I will not take responsibility for any injury you will suffer should you continue to underestimate my people or my capabilities." Rogers rolled his eyes and walked over to Renksa's side, putting a hand on his shoulder. He leaned over and leveled his face with Renksa's, staring at him and smirking confidently.

"You don't get it. You're our prisoner. There's no way you're going to get out of here unless we say so, and there's no way you could possibly hurt me chained like that. I doubt you'd be able to even if we went at it right here and now." Renksa looked to the Admiral with a blank stare, and recieved a nod in return.

"Guard, unchain the prisoner. Let him stretch his legs and give his wrists a rest." The guard entered and did as ordered. Renksa rose out of his chair and rubbed his wrists, closing his eyes and giving an appreciative smile to the Admiral as he walked out of the room and closed the door. The Admiral watched the two from outside the window, Captain Rogers leaning against the wall shaking his head laughing. Renksa moved to the other wall and invited the Captain to come at him. What followed was nothing short of impressive and humbling. Renska reacted, and struck precisely and with moves meant to topple and drop his opponent. Within seconds, the Captain lie on the cold floor of the cell, gasping for breath and looking at Renksa who now leaned against the wall and looked at him in an "I warned you" fashion. Rogers never had a chance.

The Admiral re-entered the room and looked back and forth between the two. Renska stood there unscathed, and the Captain lie now bruised and holding his diaphram on the floor. Needless to say, the Admiral was impressed.

"The Captain is one of our best. Seems to me that didn't matter much did it?"

"To be honest, Sir, it wouldn't have much mattered. I could read his movements and know what was going to happen before he did. I'm not even all that good, in all fairness."

"And yet you dropped him to the floor in moments and didn't even break a sweat. I can see that the Captain wasn't the only one underestimating you."

"Admiral, with due respect, I can see that my being here is a matter of security for your people. I assure you that my people would not seek retribution for such a thing, so long as I remain unharmed. To be honest, the fact that you caught me so easily means that I underestimated you. I'll probably have to go through basic all over again after this. If I may, I'd like to take my ship and return to my unit."

"I'm sorry, son. But it's not that simple. For today, you'll be treated as a guest. Tomorrow, we'll discuss the matter of letting you go. I need to report to my superiors about this whole incident and what you've told me, little as it may have been."

"I see. Must I remain under guard?"

"I'm afraid so. As a matter of protocol, of course. I hope you understand."

"I do. Thank you for your hospitality Admiral. I will not forget this." The Admiral nodded and left the room, disappearing down the hall with Rogers following, cringing in some pain still and holding his jaw, now broken. The guards motioned Renksa to follow, and they escorted him to his quarters. Not what he was used to, but still, the hospitality was appreciated. Renksa sat himself down onto the bed and adjusted to the feel of it, lying down and soon letting himself fall into slumber. The guards that had accompanied him remain outside his door all the while.

That night, Renksa awoke and rose out of his bed. Opening the door silently, he quickly knocked out one guard with a swift kick to the face, and then the other by use of a sleeper hold. He dragged the two unconscious guards into his room and shut the door behind him as he made his way down the emptied halls. The Admiral leaned back in his chair, feet resting on the desk as he pondered the events of today. His thought was broken as Renksa entered the room, shutting the door softly behind him as he approached the Admiral, who rose out of his chair in protest.

"Renksa... where are your guards?"

"Sorry, Sir. They were in the way and needed to be dealt with. You'll find them asleep in my quarters, otherwise unharmed. I need to leave, Sir. My unit will be wondering where I am, and will come looking for me if I don't report in soon. And trust me, they won't be as sympathetic as I am to you or your people."

"Are you saying they might attack this facility?"

"No question about it. I heard one of your people say outside my room that you don't leave a man behind. The same is true for my people. I need my ship and equipment Admiral. Now." The Admiral sat back down and smiled at Renksa.

"I don't suppose I can convince you to turn yourself in?"

"No, Sir. That's not an option."

"Out back behind the facility. There's a large screen tent we've been storing your ship and supplies in until we could figure out what to do with them. Guarded by four armed men, of course."

"Don't worry. No blood will be spilled here today. I promise on my honor as a Ny' Rei officer."

"Ny' Rei... so that's what your people are called. Interesting... but you realize that I can't simply let you go without at least trying to stop you."

"Heh, of course. Relax Admiral. The most they can do is slow me down."

"They do have orders to kill if necessary."

"I wouldn't expect anything less. As I said, don't worry. Oh... and, this is for you. Figured you'd like at least some token of thanks from me." Renksa handed Richards an envelope, its contents unknown, but recieved with a smile. Renksa stepped back and saluted the Admiral, gave him a solemn bow and departed. Richards waited for a moment and the called in the alert. Within moments, the facility was crawling with armed guards all searching for Renksa. Roughly two minutes afterwards, Richards started recieving reports of the prisoner having escaped and now taking out any guards that got in his way. It wasn't long after that that the sound of engines, that sounded like something out of a science fiction novel, began to drown out any other sounds. The Admiral laughed and smiled to himself, looking down at the envelope and emptying its contents onto the desk. All that fell out were what appeared to by Ny' Rei dogtags and a bried note. The note read as follows:

"Thank you for the hospitality and respecting a fellow soldier's sense of honor and rights as a sentient being. I promise, my people won't forget this kindness.

-Guardsman First Class (Captain) Leandros Renksa, 4th Flotilla, Exploration Division, Ny' Rei Domain."

The Admiral was kind enough to cover for Renksa, saying that he'd over powered the guards and ran past the Admiral, not stopping and only taking down the guards in his way. No casualties were reported, though the prisoner identified as Leandros Renksa of the Ny' Rei Domain Navy had indeed escaped. Renksa in turn was grateful, and covered for his absense by reporting that he'd been separated from his ship during recon, and lost his dogtags, destroying them when capture was nearly certain. He went on to report how the people of the Earth Confederacy seemed disciplined and an honorable sort, though technologically inferior. Neither party was repremanded too severely, and the Admiral still carries those tags with him now. A reminder of his encounter, and the fact that out there was a race that outmatched his own, but showed a surprisingly human nature. How the two races would further interact, remains to be seen...