One week later...

Dal'Yth Prime: Major Tau Sept

Damian Romero was sitting down in a plush chair, snacking from a bowl of fresh grapes and drinking a frothy synth beer in the private quarters of Tar'Elth the water caste portmaster of Dal'Yth Prime. Tar'Elth, dressed in the traditional robes of the water caste, sat across from Damian, sipping from his own glass of synth wine.

"The Tau Empire expresses its eternal gratitude for delivering our people from the clutches of those foul pirates. I hope you and your crew are satisfied with the gifts I presented you this evening," Tar'Elth spoke smoothly.

Damian smirked, "The crew will never turn down beer, even a xenos brew, but I had to expend much of my personal wealth to buy those Tau citizens back from those pirates. I think I'm entitled to a little more compensation for my troubles."

Tar'Elth nodded. "And what did you have in mind my friend?"

"I was thinking 10,000 credits at the city bazaar, that sound fair?" Damian replied evenly.

Tar'Elth smiled. "10,000 credits is agreeable to me. Please enjoy all the pleasures that our world has to offer, and again, thank you for your service to the Great Good."

Damian put his food and drink down and got to his feet before making his way to the door. "Definitely the greater good of my credit account. In any case, I guess I have some shopping to do.. Live long and ugh, prosper Tar'Elth."

After Damian walked out of the room, Commander Farshath deactivated his stealth suit and stepped in front of Tar'Elth to speak taking off his helmet in the process.

"I still don't understand why you didn't arrest that rogue. He orchestrated the attack on our colony," Farshath sneered, barely able to contain his contempt for Damian.

Tar Elth smirked in reply, "That is the trouble with you Fire Caste. So quick to take action that you let the bigger prey escape. Rest assured the A'un has entrusted me to deal with this rogue, and deal with him I shall."

Farshath shook his head. "The games you Water Caste play at are beyond my reckoning. I only hope this gambit of yours will serve the Empire better than my pulse rifle."

Tar'Elth smilled as he stepped to his outdoor deck which overlooked the spaceport where Damian's shi was docked.

"Rest assured my friend. This rogue will serve the greater good whether he wants to or not." Tar'Elth let out a dry laugh.